WASHINGTON (WUSA9) -- Capital City Care opened its doors in Washington this week.

This is the first licensed medical marijuana dispensary located on 1334 N. Capitol St, N.W.. Voters in Washington passed an initiative which allows people who have a serious illness to legally buy medical marijuana, according to a press release.

The general manager, David Guard said the project has been in the works for an extended period of time.

"Waiting that long builds up a little bit of frustration at times but I think that's all been subsided," Guard said.

Only patients who have been diagnosed with HIV/AIDS,cancer, glaucoma, severe muscle spasms are able to participate in this program. They have to be recommended by a DC licensed doctor, show that they are DC residents, and approved by the Department of Health, it said in a press release. More medical conditions could be approved in the future.

Warren, 33, who asked only to be identified by first name, was one of the first patients.

"It's amazing," Warren told WUSA9. "I just encourage the more people who did it, the better chance we have it of working."

The D.C. Department of Health says there are 20 approved doctors and 9 registered patients so far.